His gaze shifted away, unable to meet mine.
In that moment, everything became clear.
"Your shares are just sitting there anyway."
Kael lowered his voice.
"Sharing with the pack lets everyone partake in your good fortune."
I glared at him.
"Did you ever consider that we might face a wasting sickness, or some urgent need? That we should keep reserves for protection?"
Morwenna immediately spat twice in superstitious dismissal.
"Speaking of such dark things during the sacred feast—how dare you."
"The truth is, you're simply selfish!"
"Yes, I'm selfish."
I nodded.
"And selfish wolves don't deserve to share a feast with your pack. I'm leaving."
I held my pup close and turned to leave without another word.
Behind me, the den erupted into chaos.
The matriarch's shrill voice cut through the air like claws on stone.
"Walk out that threshold, and never return to this pack!"
I didn't look back.
In the corridor leading away from the central den, Liri asked in a small voice.
"Mama, why aren't we eating anymore?"
"Because they wanted to make your mother a fool."
"What's a fool?"
"Someone who... gets their throat torn out and thanks the wolf who did it."